For Stoke City, player departures are just as crucial as signings, as they provide significant income for future transfers.
In this case, Matthew Baker has been sold to Newport County in League Two to continue developing and gain quality minutes, which Stoke City could not provide due to his youth and lack of priority within the club.
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At just 21, the Welshman parts ways with The Potters
Matthew Baker is one of the young Welsh football talents, having made significant progress with the Welsh national team, participating in around 21 matches with Wales' youth divisions, although he has yet to debut with the senior team.
South Wales switch for young defender.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 1, 2024
Matthew Baker has completed a permanent transfer to Newport County.
Baker has played more frequently with Stoke City's U-21 team than the first team. He has been considered for participation in Premier League 2, the FA Cup, and the EFL Trophy, and has been consistently loaned to Newport County, where he will now officially continue his professional career.
The Priority in the Youth Divisions is Headed in a Different Direction
The current priority for Stoke City's youth divisions focuses on attackers who shine at a young age in the Stoke City U-21 team and promise to have an impressive future. Many are already being scouted by top English clubs, but this was not the case for Baker.
At just 21 years old, Matthew Baker will no longer be with Stoke City and will part ways with The Potters, allowing both to continue building their histories along different paths.